Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition, Training & Mindset with Liam McKenzie

Mar 103 min read

Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition, Training & Mindset with Liam McKenzie

How do you fuel your body for success?

In this episode, I sat down with Liam McKenzie, a semi-professional trail runner and coach, to dive deep into what it really takes to fuel, train, and recover like an athlete. Liam’s story is one of persistence, adaptation, and personal discovery—from growing up in a sports-focused family to navigating the highs and lows of endurance running, ADHD, and injury recovery.

If you’ve ever wondered how to optimise your performance, build resilience, and eat in a way that actually works for your body, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

So, Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition, Training & Mindset with Liam McKenzie - ready to listen in?

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From Diet Fads to Real Nutrition

Like many of us, Liam has experimented with various diets over the years. What he’s learned? Nutrition is about balance—not extremes.

🥩 The foundation of good nutrition is whole foods and micronutrients. Forget obsessing over macros—if your diet is packed with processed foods and low in nutrients, you’re going to feel it.

🔥 Fat isn’t the enemy. Instead of fearing certain food groups, Liam focuses on fueling properly to support his training and recovery.

🚀 Small, consistent changes matter more than drastic overhauls. He emphasizes the power of being 1% better every day, rather than seeking quick fixes.

💡 "When I went back to simple proteins, my body was the best it’s been."

Watch the full episode on YouTube to get our secrets to fat burning and endurance training.

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The Role of Mindset & Movement

Liam’s journey hasn’t just been about training and nutrition—his ADHD diagnosis has played a significant role in shaping how he approaches movement and structure in his life.

🧠 Exercise is a game-changer for mental clarity. Liam describes movement as a way to stay balanced, regulate energy, and keep his mind sharp.

🏃‍♂️ Trail running is about more than just fitness—it’s about community. Moving to Wanaka gave him the perfect environment to build a lifestyle around adventure, movement, and human connection.

🏆 "Comparison is the thief of joy—focus on your own journey."

Lessons from Injury & Recovery

No athlete escapes injury, and Liam has had his fair share of setbacks. What’s important, though, is what you learn from them.

🦴 Smart recovery is just as important as training. Pushing through pain isn’t the answer—listening to your body is.

🎯 Personalised coaching matters. Every athlete is different, and finding the right training approach for you is key to longevity in sport and health.

💪 Strength training and proper nutrition help prevent injuries and keep performance high.